There's only been one time that sisters Lexi and Leandra Lopez have not played with each other on the same team, and even then, the two sisters were still playing against each other on the same field.

But as the Midland High softball team begins the Class 5A playoffs today against El Paso Montwood in the first game of a best-of-three series in Seminole, the two sisters are realizing that this could be the last time they are on the same team.

Lexi is a senior and is headed to Kilgore College to play, while Leandra is a junior, and will be back at Midland High next season. So, they both want this playoff experience to last as long as they can.

"Knowing this is going to be our last time together, we want to go out there and work together as a team and just work hard and go far in the playoffs," Leandra said.

And the two will likely have a big say if the Lady Bulldogs do advance in the postseason.

Lexi, a first baseman, and Leandra, a right fielder, have provided clutch hits and clutch plays throughout the season, and in the team's biggest games. Lexi drove in two runs against Odessa Permian, the school the pair transferred from last year, earlier this year and then drove in three runs against Lee.

Leandra, meanwhile, was 2 for 4 against the Lady Panthers and scored a run. It's that type of clutch play that coach Shawnda Vines said the pair have provided this season.

Vines said they have faced tough situations and come through all year long.

"Both of them have made game-winning plays, and they've been in situations that either put us ahead in a game or win a game for us," Vines said. "Multiple times they've been able to come through for us."

Part of the reason for the pair's clutch play is the two have plenty of talent, but playing with each other has allowed the two to relax because they know each other is on the field.

That comfort level is a reason the two have had the success they've had this season.

"It makes me confident, and relaxed, knowing that my sister is by my side and she can get her job done," Lexi said. "I can always count on her. It's pretty much like she's my best friend."

The two are nearly inseparable off the field as well, and it's been that way for as long as they can remember. Leandra said she has typically played a level up to play with Lexi, and said that's helped her as a player.

The only time the two didn't play on the same team was when Lexi was in 14 and under, and Leandra stayed at 13 and under.

"It helped me to learn to play more aggressive with the older girls," Leandra said. "I had to step up my intensity to play with the older girls, and play above a level of what I'm capable of doing."

This weekend, the two are hoping that their experience playing together will not be their last.

"It's great knowing we've had the opportunities to do something big," Lexi said.

Follow Len on Twitter: @Len_Hayward_MRT

CLASS 5A BI-DISTRICT

EL PASO MONTWOOD VS. MIDLAND HIGH

When/where: Game 1, 7 p.m. today; Game 2, 2 p.m. Saturday; Game 3, 30 minutes following Game 2, all games at Maiden Field, Seminole

Records: Midland High 28-6, El Paso Montwood 18-11

How they got here: Midland High finished second in District 2-5A; El Paso Montwood finished third in District 2-5A

Now Playing:

Next: Winner will play either Weatherford or Justin Northwest in Class 5A area round